Community Builders Awards: Honouring Elder, advocate and residential school survivor Shirley Roach-baa

Shirley Roach-baa passed away in August 2021, but her lifelong journey of learning and healing will continue to teach the rest of us for generations to come.

Shirley is a survivor of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School who spoke on the national stage about the abuse and trauma she faced in that system.

She was tremendously supportive of Indigenous students on campus in her role as an Elder and expanded her outreach to inspire others to reconnect with their traditional language and culture.

She was a passionate advocate for advancing truth and reconciliation efforts. Shirley was instrumental in guiding the work of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG), Algoma University, the Children of Shingwauk and the Shingwauk Education Trust. 

A firm believer in Indigenous-led education, Shirley often shared her story with elementary high school and post-secondary students in order to build cross-cultural understanding and shed light on the impacts of these colonial systems on First Nations communities.

Her legacy will surely live on through those she inspired and through the Shirley Jane Roach-baa Scholarship, which benefits Indigenous students studying through SKG.

The Legacy Award is awarded posthumously to an individual who has created lasting change and measurable difference in our community through commitment and perseverance. 

Thank you to the friends and family of Shirley Roach-baa who are keeping his memory alive and have graciously accepted this award on his behalf. This award pays tribute to the individual’s leadership, vision and ongoing legacy.

This award is proudly sponsored by Eye Deal Optical.

SooToday is proud to make a difference in our community by highlighting extraordinary individuals and organizations with our Community Builders Awards, a foundational piece of our SooToday Cares program.

Our mission is to create meaningful change in Sault Ste. Marie — and inspire others to do the same.